A hospital can be full of the most talented medical staff and up to date equipment, but none of this matters if basic hygiene practices are not implemented.
Over 1 million patients contract hospital acquired infections every year in the U.S. , and thousands of these patients die. Improper hygiene practices are the leading cause of these infections, which means that millions of injuries, and thousands of fatalities, are preventable.
How should hospitals assess hygiene practices?
Listening to patients
Some patients spend a considerable amount of time in hospitals, or they may make routine visits. This means that they can spot things that staff have perhaps missed. Hospital staff should listen to concerns from patients about hygiene practices. Many medical institutions find it beneficial to provide patients with feedback forms so they can report their concerns down in writing.
Audits
Audits can be a useful tool in assessing the hygiene standard in medical facilities. Different types of audits can be used, including routine audits every day and more thorough audits on a weekly basis. However, in terms of audits for hospitals, these really should be conducted every day with the results being produced in writing. This not only allows hospitals to monitor hygiene status, but it also helps to highlight potential areas of improvement.
As well as medical technology to improve patient care, most hospitals have access to technology that can monitor and improve hygiene levels, such as lab testing equipment and strong disinfectants.
With the above factors and a conscientious approach, hospitals can reduce the number of hospital acquired infections. If you feel that the hospital you attended was below a reasonable standard in terms of hygiene, then you may be able to lodge a claim for any injuries you suffered or illnesses acquired. Seeking legal guidance will help you discover more about your options.
